You must have had a bad copy - mine is really good (and made me sell my 24-70 f/2.. Even when compared to my 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, I'm happy with the sharpness. My 17-40 is noticeably softer, but not bad at all when stopped down.

Well, that really depends on the kit! My 24-105 is the softest lens I own as well but then the rest are lenses that is hard compete with. I like the 24-105 a lot, and use it very often. I find the IS to be very capable even though it is "old".

Here is a recent shot with it. It was incredibly muggy but that actually contributed to the shot. Using a zoom helped to find the right (IMO, anyway) angle and perspective. I had the 35L in my bag as well but I did not bother using it.

You must have had a bad copy - mine is really good (and made me sell my 24-70 f/2.. Even when compared to my 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, I'm happy with the sharpness. My 17-40 is noticeably softer, but not bad at all when stopped down.

Well, that really depends on the kit! My 24-105 is the softest lens I own as well but then the rest are lenses that is hard compete with. I like the 24-105 a lot, and use it very often. I find the IS to be very capable even though it is "old".

Here is a recent shot with it. It was incredibly muggy but that actually contributed to the shot. Using a zoom helped to find the right (IMO, anyway) angle and perspective. I had the 35L in my bag as well but I did not bother using it.

You must have had a bad copy - mine is really good (and made me sell my 24-70 f/2.8 ). Even when compared to my 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, I'm happy with the sharpness. My 17-40 is noticeably softer, but not bad at all when stopped down.

you know, you're right. i think i'm under-representing the sharpness of the lens.

what was in my kit at the time when i sold it was the 100L, 85L II, and 70-200 2.8 II.

I had a relatively good copy of the 24-105 that I just sold a week ago Monday. I replaced it with the 24-70 f/2.8 II on Sunday. So far I am not missing the 24-105 at all, despite it having more reach and IS. it was a great lens, but the 24-70 is something else. The colours it produces and the sharpness are amazing.

Maybe when I see Getitdigitial sell the 24-105 for $649 again I'll pick up another copy in the future.